Ready-to-use hose end sprayer

ABSTRACT

A ready-to-use sprayer comprises a container defining an interior compartment for containing a liquid product and having a pin receiver located near the rear portion and an opening located near the front portion, a housing having a main chamber and a grip portion, a nozzle in selective fluid communication with the outlet of the fluid chamber, a pivot switch on the exterior of the housing for selecting a fluid flow condition for the main chamber, and the housing being coupled to the container at the container opening and the pin receiver.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/038,062, filed on Mar. 1, 2011, and entitled “Ready-To-Use Hose EndSprayer.” The content of this priority application is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Art

The present invention relates to a sprayer, and more particularly to ahose-end sprayer that can dispense ready-to-use liquid products, such asfertilizer compositions or pesticide (e.g., herbicides, fungicides, andinsecticides) compositions.

2. Description of Related Art

There are many known spray devices for dispensing chemicals or otherproducts to maintain lawns, gardens, yards, trees, shrubs, or plants.Most spray devices provide ready-to-use (“RTU”) liquids, such asfertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, which can bedispensed directly from the spray device in a variety of spray patterns.

Most conventional hose-end sprayers have a grip area “in-line” with asprayer nozzle and a connector for connecting the sprayer to a gardenhose and a sprayer nozzle (i.e., a central axis of the grip area issubstantially parallel to, and substantially in the same plane as thatshared by the central axis of the sprayer nozzle and the central axis ofthe garden hose connector). This configuration often results in severalproblems. For example, in order to hold the sprayer in a steadyposition, especially when directing the spray at close target areas,users may need to exert greater than ordinary gripping force tocounteract the kick-back force of the spray exiting the sprayer nozzle.Furthermore, sprayers having a grip area in-line with an attachmentmeans to a garden hose are susceptible to poor connections between thegarden hose connector and the garden hose. Such poor connections mayresult following wear and tear to the garden hose (e.g., damage to athreaded connection at the end of the garden hose inflicted by a userdropping the garden hose onto a driveway, driving over the garden hose,etc.), which, in turn, may result in water leaking from the poorconnection. Because of the physical configuration of these conventionalsprayers, which have the grip area in-line with a connector forconnecting the sprayer to a garden hose, when water leaks from thesprayer at the poor connection, it does so oftentimes onto the hand ofthe user. Water leaking onto the hand of a user may be inconvenient orunpleasant for the user. Moreover, a user may mistakenly perceive theleaking water to contain a chemical product, causing the user to haveunnecessary concerns about health or safety.

Other drawbacks also exist with conventional sprayers. For instance,sprayers with rotatable valves (e.g., valves located on the side or thetop of a sprayer housing) require two hands for operation. One hand isrequired to hold the sprayer, while the other hand controls therotatable valve located on the side of the sprayer. Additionally, manysprayers currently found on the market today couple a chemical containerto a sprayer housing with a threaded connection. Assembling productshaving this type of connection demands added steps in the manufacturingprocess, which leads to added manufacturing costs. These and otherproblems are known to exist with conventional sprayers.

Notwithstanding the number of spray devices that currently exist, mostfail to provide a reliable, user-friendly device that is cost-effectiveto manufacture, easy to use, and safe for a user to operate. The presentinvention, as demonstrated by the several exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein, provides a ready-to-use hose-end sprayer withbeneficial features that achieve improved functionality overconventional sprayers. The sprayer of the present invention combinesnumerous advantages including: (1) a housing forming a grip area that isnot “in-line” with the sprayer nozzle and the garden hose connector,thus positioning the grip area within a horizontal plane below aseparate horizontal plane containing the sprayer nozzle but above afurther separate horizontal plane containing the garden hose connector,and reducing the chance that a user will be exposed to water or otherliquid leaking from the housing (e.g., at the connection between thegarden hose connector and the garden hose); (2) a pivot switch, operablefor example by a user's thumb, located on the exterior portion of thesprayer's housing that enables a user to both hold the sprayer andcontrol the flow of liquid through the sprayer, all with one hand; (3)an internal connection between the device's conduits that creates avacuum to enable precise dilution/mixing of a substance liquid with acarrier liquid; and (4) a snap-fit connection between the housing andthe container to improve cost-effectiveness of the manufacturing processand to more securely couple the housing to the container.

The description herein of certain advantages and disadvantages of knownmethods and devices is not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments may include some or all ofthe features described above without suffering from the samedisadvantages.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a sprayer is provided having ahousing forming a grip area and with a sprayer head, a carrier liquidconduit, a substance liquid conduit, a main chamber, a carrier liquidreceiving port and a pivot switch. The pivot switch allows a user tocontrol and activate the various operating modes of the sprayer, whichmay include, for example, controlling the liquid flow or the particulardilution/mixing of the carrier liquid and the substance liquid sprayedout of the nozzle.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a device forcontrolling the mixture of a carrier liquid and a substance liquid in asprayer is provided having a main chamber, a first conduit, and a secondconduit. The main chamber is coupled to a pivot switch, allowing a userto control and activate the various operating modes of the sprayer.Exemplary operating modes include an ON position, an OFF position and aWATER position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Purposes and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art from the following detaileddescription together with the appended drawings, where like referencenumerals are used to indicate like elements:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a sprayer in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of a sprayer housing, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of a sprayer housing, operating inan ON mode.

FIG. 2(c) is a cross-sectional view of a sprayer housing, operating inan OFF mode.

FIG. 2(d) is a cross-section view of a sprayer housing, operating in aWATER mode.

FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amechanism for coupling a sprayer housing to a container.

FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mechanism forcoupling a sprayer housing to a container.

FIG. 3(c) is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of amechanism for coupling a sprayer housing to a container.

FIG. 3(d) is a perspective cross-section view of an exemplary embodimentof a mechanism for coupling a sprayer housing to a container.

These and other exemplary embodiments and advantages will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example theprinciples of the various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is intended to convey a thorough understandingof the embodiments by providing a number of specific embodiments anddetails involving a product sprayer. It is understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details,which are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possessingordinary skill in the art, in light of known devices, systems andmethods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its intendedpurposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments.

Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intendedto limit the scope of an exemplary embodiment. As used throughout thisdisclosure, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, areference to a “conduit” includes a plurality of conduits, or otherequivalents or variations know to those skilled in the art. Furthermore,if in describing some embodiments or features permissive language (e.g.,“may”) is used, that does not suggest that embodiments or featuresdescribed using other language (e.g., “is,” “are”) are required. Unlessdefined otherwise, all terms have the same commonly understood meaningthat one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongswould expect them to have.

The accompanying figures and following description depict and describeexemplary embodiments of a sprayer for discharging liquid. As usedthroughout this description, the term “sprayer” or other like terms aremeant to encompass a structure adapted to discharge, dispense, project,spray, etc., liquid. In exemplary embodiments the liquid to bedischarged may be a fertilizer, a pesticide (e.g, herbicide,insecticide, fungicide, etc.) or combinations thereof. It should beappreciated, however, that the exemplary embodiments of the sprayerdescribed throughout are not limited to any specific embodiment ordetail that is disclosed. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate the use of the exemplary embodiments for their intendedpurposes and benefits in a number of alternative embodiments as requiredby specific design or other needs.

With regard to the exemplary embodiments of the sprayer described below,any part that fastens, mounts, attaches, or connects any component toform the sprayer shall not be limited to any particular type and isinstead intended to encompass all known and conventional fasteners likescrews, nut and bolt connectors, threaded connectors, snap rings, detentarrangements, clamps, rivets, toggles, etc. Fastening may also beaccomplished by other known fitments like leak-tight seals or sealingdevices. Components may also be connected by adhesives, glues, welding,ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or deformation. Of course,combinations of these fitment systems might be used.

Unless otherwise specifically disclosed, materials for making componentsof the present invention may be selected from appropriate materials,such as metal, metal alloys, natural or manmade fibers, composites,vinyl, plastics, silicone, rubber, and so on. Any and all appropriatemanufacturing or production methods, such as casting, pressing,extruding, molding, or machining may be used to construct the exemplaryembodiments or their components.

Lastly, when describing exemplary embodiments of the sprayer, anyreference to front and back or rear, top and bottom, right and left,upper and lower, etc., is intended for the convenience of describingsuch embodiments only. Such references do not limit the exemplaryembodiments or its components to any specific positional or spacialorientation.

Exemplary embodiments of the sprayer will now be described more fullywith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all,embodiments are illustrated.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 b, exemplary embodiments of a sprayer inaccordance with the present invention are shown. Each of the exemplaryembodiments generally includes a pivot switch that allows a user tocontrol and active the various operating mode of the sprayer, which mayinclude, for example, controlling the liquid flow or the particulardilution/mixing of the carrier liquid and the substance liquid sprayedout of the nozzle. Each of the exemplary embodiments also generallyincludes a sprayer housing which forms a curved and ergonomic grip area.Generally, each of the embodiments may also include an adjustable ornonadjustable nozzle assembly for discharging liquid from the housing.Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments generally include a nozzle, acarrier liquid receiving port, and a grip area that are not “in-line.”Additionally, each of the embodiments may also include a snap-fitmechanism for securely and efficiently attaching a container to thehousing. Each of these parts generally referred to here will bedescribed in more detail below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sprayer 100. It shouldbe appreciated that all of the figures herein illustrate a simplifiedview of an exemplary sprayer 100, and its components, and that sprayer100 may include additional elements that are not depicted. The sprayer100 may generally have a housing 105 and a container 130. The housingmay have a front portion 135, a rear portion 145, a top portion 165, anda grip portion 155. The housing may also have a nozzle 110, a carrierliquid receiving port 115, and a pivot switch 120. The container mayhave a base 160, a rear portion 150, and a front portion 140. Generally,the sprayer 100 may be configured such that the rear portion 145 ofhousing 105 may be attached to the rear portion 150 of container 130.The sprayer 100 may also be configured such that the front portion 135of the housing 105 may be attached to the front portion 140 of thecontainer 130. The container 130 may be removably connected to the frontportion 135 in any appropriate manner, like through threaded connectors,snap rings, detent arrangements, etc. In one embodiment, the frontportion 140 of container 130 may snap into an appropriate receiving portlocated inside of the front portion 135 of the housing 105. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the rear portion 150 of container 130 may snapinto an appropriate receiving mechanism located on the rear portion 145of the housing 105. Other exemplary embodiments for attaching housing105 to container 130 include threaded connections, snap rings, detentarrangements, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the container 130 may bepermanently connected to the housing 105. In other embodiments, thecontainer 130 and the housing 105 may form a single structure.

The container 130 may be configured in any number of ways. In anexemplary embodiment, container 130 may have a base 160, a front portion140, and a rear portion 150. Front portion 140 may extend higher thanrear portion 150. In another exemplary embodiment, container 130 mayhave an opening at front portion 140. Overall, the container 130 maydefine a hollow compartment to store ready-to-use (“RTU”) liquidproducts, such as fertilizers, pesticides (e.g., herbicides,insecticides, fungicides, etc.), and combinations thereof. The container130 may also be translucent in order to monitor the RTU liquid levels.

The housing 105 forming a grip area 155 may be ergonomically shaped toallow a user to comfortably grasp the sprayer 100. In an exemplaryembodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the housing 105 may bearcuate in shape to form a curved grip area. In another exemplaryembodiment, the grip area 155 may be generally located below the nozzle110, but above the carrier liquid receiving port 115. Furthermore, thegrip area 155, the nozzle 110, and the carrier liquid receiving port 115may not be “in-line” with one-another. More particularly, for example, acentroid (not shown) of the grip area 155 may be within a firsthorizontal plane (not shown) that is below a separate second horizontalplane (not shown) containing a centroid (not shown) of the nozzle 110,but that is above a separate third horizontal plane (not shown)containing a centroid (not shown) of the carrier liquid receiving port115. |_([MJS1]) In other exemplary embodiments, the grip area 155 mayinclude one or more ergonomic gripping pads or grooves (not shown). Thegripping pads or grooves (not shown) may be shaped to accommodate thenatural orientation of a user's grip. In one embodiment, the grippingpads or grooves (not shown) may extend along the entire grip area 155 ina substantially elongated shape. The gripping pads or grooves (notshown) may have a varied length and width. The size and shape ofgripping pads or grooves (not shown) may also be changed to conform tothe various designs of housing 105 and grip area 155.

Moreover, the housing 105 may also include a nozzle 110, a carrierliquid receiving port 115, and a pivot switch 120. The nozzle 110 may belocated within the front portion 135 of housing 105. The nozzle 110 maybe constructed to spray liquid in any number of ways, according to anynumber of patterns. For example, the nozzle 110 may spray liquid in afan, jet, or shower pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle 110may be adjustable to permit a user to change the liquid spray patternsby twisting the nozzle 110. In other exemplary embodiments, the nozzle110 may be adjustable to control the pressure of the liquid flow throughthe nozzle 110. The nozzle 110 may regulate the spray flow, dropletsize, and spray pattern of liquid as it is discharged from the sprayer100. The nozzle 110 may be adapted to discharge liquid in a spraypattern ranging from a stream jet pattern to a full-cone pattern, tomaximize coverage for dispensing liquid product. It should beappreciated that nozzle 110 may be configured in any number of ways tosupport any number of applications.

The carrier liquid receiving port 115 may be located at the rear portion145 of housing 105. Carrier liquid receiving port 115 may be configuredto receive a carrier liquid from a carrier liquid source (not shown) inany number of ways. In an exemplary embodiment, a garden hose may besecurely screwed into the carrier liquid receiving port 115 through athreaded connector. In another exemplary embodiment, the carrier liquidreceiving port 115 may have a threaded and rotatable outer portion. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the threaded and rotatable outer portion ofcarrier liquid receiving port 115 may be securely screwed around thethreads of a carrier liquid source, such as a conventional garden hose.Carrier liquid receiving port 115 may be removably connected to acarrier liquid source (not shown), which may be, for example, a gardenhose, in any appropriate manner, such as threaded connectors, snaprings, detent arrangements, etc. In another embodiment, the carrierliquid receiving port 115 may be connected to the rear portion 145 ofhousing 105 through a ball-and-socket type arrangement. Such anarrangement allows the carrier receiving port 115 to move in relation tothe movement or pull of a garden hose, thereby relieving the stress onthe connection of the garden hose to the sprayer. In another exemplaryembodiment, the carrier liquid receiving port 115 may have a lockingmechanism to reduce the left/right and up/down whip of the sprayer whencoupled to a garden hose.

Pivot switch 120 may be located such that at least a portion of thepivot switch 120 is available on the exterior of the housing 105. In oneembodiment, pivot switch 120 may be located such that at least a portionof the pivot switch 120 is available on the on the top portion 165 ofthe housing 105. The location of the pivot switch 120 and the grip area155 of housing 105 may be positioned so that a user may grip the griparea 155 and control the pivot switch 120 with one hand. In an exemplaryembodiment, the pivot switch 120 may include one or more gripping padsor grooves. These pads or grooves may be ergonomically designed in orderto allow the user to easily and comfortably control the pivot switch 120when operating the sprayer 100.

The pivot switch 120 may allow a user to control and/or activate thevarious operating modes of the sprayer 100. In one embodiment, pivotswitch 120 may allow a user to control the flow of carrier liquidentering the housing 105 through the carrier liquid receiving port 115,and/or the dilution or mixing of the carrier liquid with the substanceliquid entering the housing 105 from container 130, which mixed liquidmay then ultimately exit sprayer 100 through nozzle 110.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot switch 120 may be dynamicallypositioned by a user to operate the sprayer 100 in any number ofoperating positions. In one embodiment, one or more operating positionsare predetermined by the manufacturer. For example, the pivot switch 120may have an “OFF” position, an “ON” position, and a “WATER” position.OFF may correspond to an operating position at which no liquid issprayed out of the nozzle 110. WATER may correspond to an operatingposition where only a carrier liquid (e.g., water from a garden hose)flows through the sprayer 100 and out of the nozzle 110. ON maygenerally correspond to an operating position at which both the carrierliquid and the substance liquid (from the container 130) flow throughsprayer 100 and out of the nozzle 110. WATER may correspond to anoperating position at which only a carrier liquid (e.g., water from agarden hose) flows through the sprayer 100 and out of the nozzle 110. Ina further example, the pivot switch 120 may have only an “OFF” positionand an “ON” position. Generally, the aforementioned exemplary operatingpositions are attainable by a user moving the pivot switch 120 from oneoperating position to another. In an exemplary embodiment, theaforementioned exemplary operating positions are easily attainable byvirtue of a user moving the pivot switch 120 without undue force beingrequired or a significant impediment being provided to such moving. Forexample, a user, while grasping the sprayer 100 at the grip area 155with one hand, may move the pivot switch 120 with the thumb of theuser's same hand. However, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthis invention, a safety feature (not shown) may be provided to presenta structural impediment to the sliding of the pivot switch 120, and,thereby, greatly reducing the likelihood of inadvertent sliding of thepivot switch 120 (e.g., by a child).

FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), and 2(d) illustrate a cross sectional view ofsprayer 100. Generally, the housing 105 may have a number of internalcomponents, including, but not limited to, a carrier liquid conduit 205,a substance liquid conduit 225, a main chamber 215, a carrier liquidinlet 210, a substance liquid inlet 220, and a pivot arm 230.

Referring to FIG. 2(a), carrier liquid conduit 205 may be locatedentirely within housing 105. In an exemplary embodiment, carrier liquidconduit 205 may extend through housing 105 along the grip area 155 ofhousing 105. At one end, carrier liquid conduit 205 may be coupled tocarrier liquid receiving port 115. On the other end, carrier liquidconduit 205 may be coupled to carrier liquid inlet 210. Carrier liquidconduit 205 may be made of any number of suitable materials and may beconnected to carrier liquid receiving port 115 and carrier liquid inlet210 in any number of suitable ways to form a fluid connection.

Substance liquid conduit 225 may, at one end, be coupled to substanceliquid inlet 220. At the other end, substance liquid conduit 225 mayextend into container 130. In an exemplary embodiment, substance liquidconduit 225 may extend through the connection between the front portion135 of housing 105 and the front portion 140 of container 130. In otherexemplary embodiments, substance liquid conduit 225 may extend intocontainer 130 through any other connection point between housing 105 andcontainer 130. Substance liquid conduit 225 may extend into thecontainer 130 and may terminate near a bottom surface of container 130.In an exemplary embodiment, substance liquid conduit 225 may be a diptube of a standard length and width. Of course, those with skill in theart will understand that the length and width of substance liquidconduit 225 may be adjusted in any number of ways to support any numberof applications. It should also be appreciated that, in an exemplaryembodiment, the substance liquid conduit 225 may be generallyperpendicular to the main chamber 215. In a further exemplaryembodiment, carrier liquid inlet 210 may have a diameter of about 7.50mm and substance liquid inlet 220 may have a diameter of about 1.41 mm.

Carrier liquid inlet 210 and substance liquid inlet 220 may be formedwithin a main chamber housing 240. The main chamber housing 240 may begenerally cylindrical and have a main chamber 215 that operates to movewithin the main chamber housing 240. The main chamber 215 may begenerally tubular, having an outer wall surrounding an interior chamber.The main chamber 215 may have a first and second aperture to providefluid communication with carrier liquid conduit 205 and substance liquidconduit 225 via carrier liquid inlet 210 and substance liquid inlet 220.When in the appropriate operating position, carrier liquid entering mainchamber 215 through carrier liquid inlet 210 may mix with substanceliquid entering main chamber 215 through substance liquid inlet 220. Themixed liquid may then be discharged from main chamber 215 and ultimatelyexist the sprayer through nozzle 110.

A pivot arm 230 may be coupled to the main chamber 215 in a mannersufficient to translate movement of the pivot switch 120 to the mainchamber 215, and thereby, control the position of main chamber 215within main chamber housing 240 according to the position of pivotswitch 120. The position of main chamber 215 relative to carrier liquidinlet 210 and substance liquid inlet 220 may affect the flow and mix ofcarrier liquid and substance liquid into the main chamber 215. The pivotarm 230 may be pivotally connected to a pivot axis 235 within housing105. In other exemplary embodiments, the pivot axis 235 may be locatedanywhere along the pivot arm 230. For example, the pivot axis 235 may belocated at a point within the housing 105 that is below a horizontalplane occupied by the main chamber housing 240. Furthermore, the pivotarm 230 may also be connected to the pivot switch 120. In thisconfiguration, the pivot switch 120 travels along an arc as it movesbetween the various operating positions of the sprayer 100. Such aconfiguration may offer benefits to a user, as the arcuate movementprovides enhanced leverage for the user as he or she moves the pivotswitch 120 between the various operating positions of the sprayer 100.Further, the arcuate travel path of pivot switch 120 allows the user to|effect|_([MJS2]) movement of main chamber 215 with minimal effort andalso helps to ensure that main chamber 215 is fully extended into theappropriate operating position. Moreover, such a configuration may bemore efficient from a product design perspective, as the arcuatemovement enables a range of travel for the main chamber 215 that isgreater than the range of travel that would be possible, in apredetermined amount of space within the housing 105, if provided bymovement of a switch or comparable actuator traveling in a linear orlongitudinal direction relative to the travel of the main chamber 215,such as that which may be found in certain existing sprayers.Consequently, in contrast to such existing sprayers, the housing 105 ofthe present invention may be more ergonomically shaped, such as having acurved grip area, and may take the form of a more aestheticallyappealing industrial design, while achieving the necessary and desiredfunctionality for carrier liquid and substance liquid flow control andmixing provided by the components contained within the housing 105. Thepivot switch 120, the pivot arm 230, and the main chamber 215 may beoperatively coupled to one another to permit a user to control the flowand/or the dilution or mixing of carrier liquid and substance liquidinto main chamber 215 by adjusting the position of pivot switch 120,and, in turn, the position of main chamber 215. For example, the mainchamber 215 may have two apertures which correspond to inlets 210 and220. Therefore, in one operating mode, the opening of main chamber 215may align with inlets 210 and 220 such that liquid from carrier liquidconduit 205 and substance liquid conduit 225 through the openings andinto main chamber 215. Adjusting the position of pivot switch 120 mayaffect the position of main chamber 215 such that the openings are notpositioned over inlets 210 and 220, thereby causing the outer wall ofthe main chamber to block the flow of liquid through inlets 210 and 220.In this exemplary embodiment, no liquid will flow through the nozzle110.

Of course, the pivot switch 120 may be adjusted to a position where themain chamber 215 is positioned so that inlets 210 and 220 are onlypartially covered by the outer wall of main chamber 215. In thisexemplary embodiment, the flow of liquid from carrier liquid conduit 205and substance liquid conduit 225 into main chamber 215 is restricted,but not completely prevented. In other exemplary embodiments, mainchamber 215 may cover inlet 220, but not inlet 210. In this exemplaryembodiment, only carrier liquid, and not substance liquid, will passinto main chamber 215 and through nozzle 110. Those with skill in theart will appreciate that the length and position of inlets 210 and 220,as well as the length and position of the inlets on main chamber 215,may be adjusted to support a number of varying preferences forcontrolling the mixing and dilution of carrier liquid and substanceliquid within the main chamber 215.

In one exemplary embodiment, carrier liquid inlet 210 may be located ona bottom portion of main chamber 215 so that liquid passing throughcarrier liquid conduit 210 may enter directly into the main chamber 215through an opening in the main chamber at carrier inlet 210. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the main chamber 215 may have a hollow end,wherein the carrier liquid conduit 205 may be positioned such thatcarrier liquid will pass directly into the hollow end of the mainchamber when the sprayer is in the appropriate operating position. In anexemplary embodiment, the main chamber 215 may have two chamber inletswhich, when properly aligned with carrier liquid inlet 210 and substanceliquid inlet 220 allow for liquid to pass from carrier liquid conduit205 and the substance liquid conduit 225 into the central region of themain chamber 215. In another exemplary embodiment, the main chamber maybe configured to cover carrier liquid inlet 210 and substance liquidinlet 220 such that the outer portion of main chamber 215 covers theinlets, thus preventing the flow of liquid to the inside of mixingchamber 215.

The main chamber 215 may comprise three sub-chambers, each havingvarious dimensions. In an exemplary embodiment, main chamber 215 maycomprise rear chamber 250, middle chamber 255, and front chamber 260.Each of the sub-chambers 250, 255, and 260 may be configured in anynumber of ways to affect the desired mixing and liquid flow ratesthrough the main chamber 215 and out of the nozzle 110. In one exemplaryembodiment, the middle chamber 255 may be narrower than the rear chamber250 and the front chamber 260, thereby causing carrier liquid turbulenceas the carrier liquid passes over the substance liquid inlet 220. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the rear chamber may have a diameter ofabout 4.3 mm (plus draft), the middle chamber 255 may have a diameter ofabout 3.20 mm, and the front chamber 260 may have a diameter of about4.45 mm (plus draft).

Substance liquid may be drawn through substance liquid conduit 225 in anaspiration-type manner. In one exemplary embodiment, carrier liquidpassing through main chamber 215 may create a pressure differentialbetween the substance liquid in container 130 and the carrier liquid inmain chamber 215. This pressure differential may cause substance liquidto be drawn (e.g., by vacuum or suction) through substance liquidconduit 225 to the main chamber 215. In an exemplary embodiment, theamount of substance liquid drawn through substance liquid conduit 225 iscontrolled by affecting the flow of carrier liquid into main chamber215.

FIG. 2(b) depicts sprayer 100 operating in an exemplary ON mode. In thisexemplary embodiment, the pivot switch 120, pivot arm 230, and mainchamber 215 are extended to a forward position, toward the nozzle 110.In this embodiment, the main chamber 215 does not cover the inlets 210and 220, thereby permitting a full flow of carrier liquid and substanceliquid into main chamber 215.

FIG. 2(c) depicts sprayer 100 operating in an exemplary OFF mode. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the pivot switch 120, pivot arm 230, and mainchamber 215 are extended to a back position, away from the nozzle 110.In this embodiment, the main chamber 215 completely covers the inlets210 and 220, thereby preventing any flow of carrier liquid and substanceliquid into main chamber 215.

FIG. 2(d) depicts sprayer 100 operating in an exemplary WATER mode. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the pivot switch 120, pivot arm 230, and mainchamber 215 operate in a neutral position. In this embodiment, the mainchamber 215 completely covers substance liquid inlet 210, but does notcover carrier liquid inlet 220, thereby permitting the flow of onlycarrier liquid into main chamber 215.

Referring now to FIGS. 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d), it should be understood thatpivot switch 120, pivot arm 230 and main chamber 215 may be configuredin any number of ways to control the flow of liquid into main chamber215. For instance, these components may be configured such that thesprayer 100 operates in an ON position when the valve slide is extendedto a back position, away from the nozzle 110. In another exemplaryembodiment, the components may be configured such that the sprayeroperates in a WATER position when the valve slide is extended to aforward position, toward the nozzle 110. Those with skill in the artwill understand that the configuration of pivot switch 120, pivot arm230, main chamber 215, and inlets 210 and 220 may be configured in anynumber of ways to support any number of desired operating positions.

FIG. 3(a) depicts a cross section view of the connection between anexemplary sprayer housing 105 and a sprayer container 130. Inparticular, FIG. 3a depicts a connection mechanism for coupling housing105 to container 130. Generally, the container 130 may have a number ofcomponents to aid coupling, including, but not limited to, a containeropening 305, a collar member 310, a collar protrusion 335, and a latchbase 315. Furthermore, the housing 105 may also have a number ofcomponents to aid coupling, including a latch 320, a receiving port 325,and a receiving groove 330.

Still referring to FIG. 3(a), the housing 105 may be configured toattach to container 130 at two separate connection points. The receivingport 325 may have a receiving groove 330 along the inside circumferenceof receiving port 325. The receiving groove 330 may allow for the collarmember 310 of container 130, which has a corresponding collar protrusion335, to be snap- or friction-fitted into the receiving groove 330 ofreceiving port 325.

The receiving port 325 and the collar member 310 may be configured in anumber of ways. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving port 325 maybe configured to permanently hold collar member 310 once a connection ismade. In another embodiment, receiving port 325 and collar member 310may be removably connected. In this exemplary embodiment, housing 105may be re-used and re-coupled to other containers having a collar membersimilar to collar member 310.

The housing 105 may also be coupled to container 130 by latch base 315and latch 320. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a), container 130 mayhave a latch base 315 that extends upward from the base of container 130to form an open for latch 320 to connect.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collar member 310 may be threaded inpart to allow a standard bottle cap (not shown) to fit over the collarmember 310 when container 130 is not coupled to housing 105. In otherexemplary embodiments, collar member 310 may be configured so that astandard snap-fit cap may fit over collar member 310 when container 130is not coupled to housing 105.

FIG. 3(b) depicts a cross section view of a further exemplary embodimentof a connection between an exemplary sprayer housing 105 and a sprayercontainer 130. In particular, FIG. 3b depicts an alternative embodimentto the latch base 315 and latch 320, described above with regard to FIG.3a . In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3b , a pin 340 and apin receiver 345 are configured to provide a secure connection betweenthe sprayer housing 105 and the sprayer container 130. This arrangementprovides for several efficiencies in the manufacturing process and alsoprovides for a more reliable connection than typical fasteningmechanisms. The pin 340 may be configured in any number of ways. In oneexemplary embodiment, the pin 340 is formed as part of the housing 105.The outside portions of the pin 340 may be perforated, so that it may beeasily “punched” through the pin receiver 345 during the manufacturingprocess in, for example, an automated assembly step.

FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d) depict cross sectional views of an exemplaryembodiment of a connection between sprayer housing 105 and sprayercontainer 130. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3(c) and3(d), the pin 340 is in uninstalled position. In this position, the pin340 does not extend through the pin receiver 345, thereby allowing thesprayer housing 105 to easily be placed proximate to the sprayercontainer 130 during the manufacturing process. Once the sprayer housing105 and sprayer container 130 are appropriately positioned, the pin 340may be “punched” through the pin receiver 345 in order to secure thesprayer housing 105 to the sprayer container 130. The pin 340 and pinreceiver 345 may be configured in any number of ways to support anynumber of appropriate embodiments. For instance, the pin 340 may beconfigured to permanently couple with pin receiver 345 when installed.In other exemplary embodiments, the pin 340 may be dynamic, such that itmay be uninstalled from the pin receiver 345, thereby permitting thesprayer housing 105 and sprayer container 130 to be removably connected.

In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the component parts describedherein are injection molded to a desired shape. In some exemplaryembodiments, each component part may be molded as a single, unitarymolded part. In other exemplary embodiments, the component part may bemolded in multiple parts that are joined or attached together to formthe component part. The various means for designing molds, and joiningvarious parts to form one component part will be understood by onefamiliar with such processes and parts.

In the preceding specification, various preferred exemplary embodimentshave been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Itwill, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may bemade thereto, and additional exemplary embodiments may be implemented,without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forthin the claims that follow. The specification and drawings areaccordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictivesense.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sprayer comprising: a container definingan interior compartment for containing a substance liquid and comprisinga pin receiver; a container opening spaced apart from the pin receiver;and a housing comprising an exterior shell, a grip portion, a mainchamber, and a pivot switch, wherein the exterior shell comprises afirst part and a second part connected to the first part, wherein themain chamber comprises a substance liquid inlet, a carrier liquid inlet,and an outlet, wherein the pivot switch is positioned on an exterior ofthe housing and operatively coupled to a pivot arm to translate movementof the pivot switch through an arcuate path to the main chamber, andwherein the pivot arm is pivotally connected to a pivot axis, the pivotaxis being located below the main chamber within the housing; whereinprior to the housing being connected to the container, the first part ofthe housing comprises a pin attached thereto such that the first partand the pin are a unitary, monolithic component; wherein after thehousing is connected to the container, the pin is inserted through thepin receiver such that the first part and pin are no longer a unitary,monolithic component and the housing is coupled to the container at twoseparate points comprising: the container opening and the pin receiver.2. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a frontportion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is elevated withrespect to rear portion.
 3. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein the pinincludes an outside portion that is perforated.
 4. The sprayer of claim1, wherein the housing and the container are removably coupled throughthe pin and the pin receiver.
 5. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein thegrip portion is curved and wherein a carrier liquid receiving port and anozzle are in selective fluid communication with the outlet of the mainchamber and the housing is coupled to the container opening at thesubstance liquid inlet.
 6. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein the gripportion and the pivot switch are positioned so that a user can hold thesprayer and affect movement of the pivot switch with one hand.
 7. Thesprayer of claim 5, further comprising: a carrier liquid conduit inselective fluid communication with the main chamber at the carrierliquid inlet; and a substance liquid conduit in selective fluidcommunication with the main chamber and the container at the substanceliquid inlet.
 8. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein the pivot switchcontrols the flow of a carrier liquid and the substance liquid into themain chamber.
 9. The sprayer of claim 7, wherein the substance liquidconduit is positioned perpendicular to the main chamber.
 10. The sprayerof claim 7, wherein the main chamber is configured to generate a vacuumto enable mixing of a carrier liquid and the substance liquid.
 11. Thesprayer of claim 1, wherein the main chamber comprises: a rear chamber;a middle chamber; and a front chamber.
 12. The sprayer of claim 11,wherein the rear chamber, the middle chamber, and the front chamber havedifferent dimensions.
 13. The sprayer of claim 11, wherein the mainchamber is configured so that the mixing of a carrier liquid and thesubstance liquid occurs within the front chamber.
 14. The sprayer ofclaim 11, wherein the main chamber comprises three operating positions,the three operating positions comprising: a first operating position,wherein the main chamber is not in fluid communication with either acarrier liquid conduit or a substance liquid conduit; a second operatingposition, wherein the main chamber is in fluid communication with boththe carrier liquid conduit and the substance liquid conduit; and a thirdoperating position wherein the main chamber is fluid communication withthe carrier liquid conduit but not with the substance liquid conduit.15. A sprayer comprising: a container defining an interior compartmentfor containing a substance liquid; the container comprising a frontportion, a rear portion, and a pin receiver; a container opening spacedapart from the pin receiver; a housing comprising: an exterior shellcomprising a first part and a second part, a curved grip portion, a pin,a main chamber comprising a substance liquid inlet, a carrier liquidinlet, and an outlet, a carrier liquid receiving port, and a nozzle inselective fluid communication with the outlet of the main chamber; and apivot switch having three operating positions, the pivot switch beinglocated on the exterior of the housing for selecting a fluid flowcondition for the main chamber, wherein the pivot switch is operativelycoupled to a pivot arm to translate movement of the pivot switch,through an arcuate path, to the main chamber and the pivot arm ispivotally connected to a pivot axis, the pivot axis being located belowthe main chamber within the housing; wherein prior to the housing beingconnected to the container, the first part of the housing comprises apin attached thereto such that the first part and the pin are a unitary,monolithic component; wherein after the housing is connected to thecontainer, the pin is inserted through the pin receiver such that thefirst part and pin are no longer a unitary, monolithic component and thehousing is coupled to the container at two separate points comprising:the container opening and the pin receiver.
 16. A sprayer comprising: acontainer defining an interior compartment for containing a substanceliquid and comprising a pin receiver; a container opening spaced apartfrom the pin receiver; a housing comprising a grip portion, a mainchamber, and a pin; and a pivot switch on an exterior of the housing forselecting a fluid flow condition for the main chamber, wherein the pivotswitch is operatively coupled to a pivot arm to translate movement ofthe pivot switch, through an arcuate path, to the main chamber and thepivot arm is pivotally connected to a pivot axis, the pivot axis beinglocated below the main chamber of the housing, wherein the main chambercomprises a front chamber, a middle chamber, and a rear chamberconfigured to have three operating positions, the three operatingpositions comprising: a first operating position, wherein the mainchamber is not in fluid communication with either a carrier liquidconduit or a substance liquid conduit, a second operating position,wherein the main chamber is in fluid communication with both the carrierliquid conduit and the substance liquid conduit, and a third operatingposition wherein the main chamber is fluid communication with thecarrier liquid conduit but not with the substance liquid conduit;wherein prior to the housing being connected to the container, thehousing comprises a pin attached thereto such that the housing and thepin are a unitary, monolithic component; wherein after the housing isconnected to the container, the pin is inserted through the pin receiversuch that the housing and pin are no longer a unitary, monolithiccomponent and the housing is coupled to the container at two separatepoints comprising: the container opening and the pin receiver.